Published on 24th January 2011

A phone call to the local supermarket turned out to be a real lifeline for some of Cheltenham Borough Homes’ (CBH) sheltered housing tenants during the recent extreme winter weather.

Heavy snowfall in Charlton Kings meant it was too treacherous for many elderly tenants to leave their properties to go shopping, with dwindling supplies many were becoming concerned that they would run out of food.

CBH housing support staff swung into action, telephoning the local Mid Counties Co-op supermarket at Charlton Kings to ask for their help in delivering much needed supplies to the older tenants.

The staff at the supermarket were only too happy to help and tenants at two CBH sheltered housing schemes were delighted and relieved when they received essential supplies direct to their door. Ida Rees, CBH tenant at Coopers Court said: "Thank you very much for the bread and milk delivered. I was very grateful as I had run out".

Caroline Walker, head of community services at CBH said:

"In these recent incidences of extreme weather, I am proud that CBH staff have used their initiative, stepped up, and gone the extra mile to ensure the welfare of our tenants. It's a great example of the community pulling together and I want to say thank you to all those who took part in helping our older tenants"

CBH currently manages nine sheltered housing schemes across the borough. The properties all have their own kitchens and bathrooms and range from self contained flats to bed-sits.  Housing related support is offered to every resident to enable them to live independently.

 

Notes for editors

Cheltenham Borough Homes:
· CBH is one of the top rated ALMOs in the country, assessed as providing 'excellent services with excellent prospects for the future' by the Audit Commission.  
· Currently CBH manage and maintain around 5,000 tenant and leasehold properties with an overall satisfaction level of 85%, placing them in the top ten ALMOs nationally. 
· The organisation's approach to community development and participation; governance and equality and diversity has been recognised as good practice nationally. A new ten year management agreement, which will run until 31st March 2020, was recently finalised.
· CBH continue to develop excellent services by working closely with customers.  It will include building new homes and continuing to regenerate communities whilst tackling issues of worklessness and addressing social enterprise.

For further information visit: www.cheltborohomes.org

Press contact: Catherine Best e: [email protected] t: 01242 775317